How to Grow Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are the tiny and flavor-packed vegetables with the reputation for being ‘icky’. The truth is that they are delicious and full of nutritional benefits

AT A GLANCE:

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Temp Range:

50 – 60 degrees F

Seed to Plate:

90 – 100 days

Light Needs:

min. 4-6 hours of full sun, partial shade per day

How Much to Grow Per Person:

1 plant for 2 people

Average Space Needs:

1 plant / square foot

Water Needs:

moist, well drained soil

Soil pH:

slightly acid, 6.0 –6.5

Starting Brussels Sprouts from Seed

Brussels sprouts prefer cool weather. In fact, weather that is too hot can make them bitter. To ensure that you will have optimum conditions for a tasty harvest, start Brussels sprouts seeds in seed starting medium indoors about 4 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. The exact time will depend on the climate in your area, so find out when the first frost date is for where you live and work backwards from that date. You will want to transplant your Brussels sprouts outside 90 days before that frost date.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are ready to be harvested when they reach 1 – 1 1/2 inches in diameter and they are best used within a day or two of harvest. If you have extra sprouts, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes and freeze.